Contract Research Solutions for Respiratory Diseases

Online Inquiry

First Name *

Last Name *

Business Email *

Phone

Company/Institution

Job Title

Services of Interest *

When do you expect your project to start?

Project Description

All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.

Air-Liquid Interface Culture Services for Respiratory Disease Research

Q: What cell sources are available for ALI cultures at Ace Therapeutics?

Ace Therapeutics offers a variety of cell types including primary human bronchial/tracheal epithelial cells (normal and diseased), small airway epithelial cells, and iPSC-derived airway progenitors. We can also work with cells isolated from patient samples or genetically modified lines provided by you, per your requirements.

Inquiry

Ace Therapeutics offers specialized Air-Liquid Interface (ALI) culture services designed to advance your respiratory preclinical research. Our in vitro models recapitulate key features of human airways, including mucociliary differentiation, barrier function, and innate immune responses. Whether you are investigating asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or respiratory infections, our customizable ALI platforms provide a robust tool for efficacy testing, toxicity assessment, and mechanistic studies.

Comprehensive ALI Culture Services

Our service portfolio covers the entire workflow of ALI-based investigations. The table below outlines our core capabilities:

Service Component	Example Applications / Deliverables
ALI Model Establishment	Normal bronchial ALI for general toxicity screening. Disease-specific models (e.g., COPD, CF, asthma) using patient-derived or gene-edited cells. Co-cultures with fibroblasts, endothelial cells, or macrophages.
Treatment & Intervention	Efficacy testing of anti-viral or anti-inflammatory compounds. Inhalation toxicology studies for chemicals or nanoparticles. Mechanistic studies using pathway-specific inhibitors.
Endpoint Analysis & Functional Readouts	Barrier Integrity: TEER, FITC-dextran permeability. Mucociliary Function: Ciliary beat frequency analysis, mucus quantification (MUC5AC/MUC5B by ELISA or IHC). Immune Response: Cytokine/chemokine profiling. Structural Analysis: Immunofluorescence staining (e.g., for ZO-1, β-tubulin), histology (H&E, PAS), electron microscopy. Molecular Profiling: qPCR, RNA-seq, proteomics.

Applications in Respiratory Disease Research

Our custom ALI models serve as versatile platforms for a wide range of preclinical applications:

Drug Efficacy Testing: Evaluate the therapeutic potential of novel compounds against respiratory diseases.
Inhalation Toxicology: Assess the safety and irritancy of inhaled pharmaceuticals, chemicals, or environmental pollutants.
Disease Mechanism Elucidation: Investigate pathways involved in chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, asthma, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Host-Pathogen Interactions: Study the response of the airway epithelium to viral or bacterial infections.
Mucociliary Clearance Studies: Quantify the impact of therapies on ciliary function and mucus transport.
In Vitro ADME for Inhaled Compounds: Assess absorption and metabolism of drugs across the airway barrier.

Customization to Meet Your Research Goals

We recognize that every research question is unique. Our scientists work closely with you to tailor every aspect of the study. Whether you require a simple model for screening or a complex, multi-cell system for mechanistic deep-dives, we design the protocol, treatment regimen, and analytical endpoints to deliver the precise data you need.

Advance Your Respiratory Research with Ace Therapeutics

Contact our team today to discuss how our Air-Liquid Interface (ALI) culture services can accelerate your preclinical respiratory program. We are committed to providing the scientific partnership and technical excellence you need to make informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What cell sources are available for ALI cultures at Ace Therapeutics?

Ace Therapeutics offers a variety of cell types including primary human bronchial/tracheal epithelial cells (normal and diseased), small airway epithelial cells, and iPSC-derived airway progenitors. We can also work with cells isolated from patient samples or genetically modified lines provided by you, per your requirements.

Can you develop ALI models that mimic specific respiratory diseases?

Yes, we specialize in disease-relevant ALI models. For instance, we can establish cultures from COPD or asthma patients, or introduce specific genetic mutations (e.g., CFTR, SFTPC) to model cystic fibrosis or pulmonary fibrosis. Additionally, controlled exposure to inflammatory stimuli (e.g., IL-13) or cigarette smoke extract can recapitulate disease-like phenotypes in healthy cells.

What types of analyses can be performed on ALI cultures post-treatment?

Our downstream analysis portfolio is extensive. It includes assessment of barrier integrity (TEER, permeability), ciliary function (high-speed video microscopy), mucus production (ELISA, histochemistry), cytokine/chemokine profiling (multiplex immunoassays), gene expression (qPCR, RNA-seq), protein expression (Western blot, proteomics), and structural analysis by histology or electron microscopy. We tailor the endpoint selection to your specific study objectives.

How do you ensure consistency and reproducibility of ALI cultures?

We adhere to rigorous quality control measures. All cells are sourced from accredited vendors or carefully characterized in-house. Culture conditions are standardized, and differentiation is meticulously monitored by microscopy and functional markers (e.g., cilia, tight junctions). Each study includes appropriate controls, and we provide detailed documentation of culture performance and raw data for full transparency.

Do you offer co-culture models with other cell types (e.g., endothelial or immune cells)?

Absolutely. To better mimic the complex airway microenvironment, we can develop ALI co-cultures incorporating fibroblasts, endothelial cells, or macrophages (e.g., THP-1 or primary). These advanced models enable the investigation of cell-cell interactions in inflammation, fibrosis, or drug response.

What information do you need to provide a quote for ALI study services?

To prepare a customized proposal, please share your research objectives, preferred cell types, details of the treatment or intervention, desired endpoints, and any specific requirements (e.g., co-cultures, exposure systems). Our scientific team will then design a study plan and provide a detailed cost estimate and proposed timeline for your review.